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Travel and Tourism

Connecting the world while protecting planet and people

The travel and tourism industry is an important contributor to economic opportunity and employment, supporting more than one in twelve jobs worldwide.

In recent years, it has weathered global shocks, with demand impacted by events ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the impacts of climate change on vulnerable local communities relying on tourism. The industry’s sustainability challenges—and opportunities—are complex and interconnected. Its greenhouse gas emissions are a significant contributor to climate change. Many issues threaten the resilience of travel and tourism companies, including:

  • Extreme weather
  • Property destruction
  • Ecosystem and biodiversity loss

These, in turn, affect the health and well-being of the industry’s customers, employees, and host communities. 

By reducing their impact on the natural environment and safeguarding the health and livelihoods of communities around the world, travel and tourism companies can create more resilient companies while safeguarding the destinations, cultural heritage, and communities on which they depend.

8%

Tourism’s international carbon footprint accounts for 8 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions.

17%

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, aviation alone represents 17 percent of total travel carbon emissions.

69%

69 percent of global travelers expect the travel industry to offer more sustainable travel options.

How We Can Help

Adding Value to Your Business and Society

We work with travel and tourism companies, including airlines, hotels, and cruise lines, to integrate sustainability into their core business strategies and strengthen the resilience of their operations and value chain. 

Our offerings include:

Climate change risk and resilience strategy icon

Climate change risk and resilience strategy

Preparing boards for sustainability oversight icon

Preparing boards for sustainability oversight

Nature strategy, including those that address water and biodiversity impacts icon

Nature strategy, including those that address water and biodiversity impacts

Innovative business models that engage consumers on sustainable lifestyles icon

Innovative business models that engage consumers on sustainable lifestyles

Inclusive economic growth and the future of work icon

Inclusive economic growth and the future of work

Identifying and building living wage programs icon

Identifying and building living wage programs

Human rights, human trafficking, and labor conditions icon

Human rights, human trafficking, and labor conditions

Who We Work With

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. logo
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd logo
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. logo

Sustainability Insights

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Reports

Responsible Business in Space

What issues does the space industry need to address for its long-term viability? Explore the top strategic sustainability priorities for this industry.

Our Experts

Depth of Experience and Knowledge

Our team has extensive boardroom and field experience with travel and tourism companies.

Cameron Steagall portrait

Cameron Steagall

Manager, Collaboration

New York

Claudio Formisano portrait

Claudio Formisano

Global Lead, Human Trafficking and Forced Labor

Paris

Salah Husseini portrait

Salah Husseini

Director, Human Rights

Paris

Paul Holdredge portrait

Paul Holdredge

Director, Energy, Extractives, Transport, and Industrials

New York

Giulio Berruti portrait

Giulio Berruti

Director, Climate Change

Copenhagen

Elisa Niemtzow portrait

Elisa Niemtzow

Vice President, Consumer Sectors and Membership

Paris

Cliodhnagh Conlon portrait

Cliodhnagh Conlon

Director, Consumer Sectors

Paris

Let’s talk about how BSR can help you to transform your business and achieve your sustainability goals.

Contact Us